Google streamlines vendor Android updates with Project Treble

Belinda Weber

This changes that, or so Google says, with Treble being its "biggest change yet to low-level system architecture".

Let's be honest; the excitement surrounding new versions of Google's Android operating system is always tempered by the realisation all of those features are probably 12 months away from arriving on most phones.

The catch is that Project Treble's updates will not apply to older devices, only new devices released with Android O and beyond.

The basic idea behind Project Treble is that Google is "re-architecting Android to make it easier, faster and less costly for manufacturers to update devices to a new version of Android". The diagram above explains things at their most basic, with Google first pushing the software release out to the world, and from there it moves to the silicon manufacturer to modify it for their hardware, who then passes it off to the device manufacturer to customize with carrier requirements. And if you don't have a flagship phone, you're lucky to get an update at all. It eliminates one step from the drill that would help the OEMs to deliver timely updates. The core concept involves separating the vendor implementation, which is the device-specific software written in large part by the silicon manufacturers, from the Android OS Framework.

Carriers add more apps, more branding, and "test and certify the new release".

Like the CTS, or Compatibility Test Suite, the VTS will ensure that all the chips inside the phone, from the SoC to the baseband to the tiny little sensors that let our phones do fantastic things, work properly when Google releases a new version of Android. That means device makers will be able to push out new Android releases "without any additional work required from the silicon manufacturers".

The best news is that this isn't a theoretical change or a proposal - it's up and running already in the bleeding-edge Android O preview that's running on a number of Pixel phones, and it'll be there in all O-powered devices. As Google describes, "Project Treble aims to do what CTS did for apps, for the Android OS framework". Google would publish the full documentation for Project Treble with the launch of Android O.

Share this:

Hot News

Pink Floyd's Nick Mason wants to play drums for Harry StylesMay 13, 2017 - 01:23
Harry Styles' self-titled debut solo album is out today, and the internet is abuzz about one track in particular-" Two Ghosts ". However, it's kind of the One Direction alum's fault as he clearly penned a track about his superstar ex for his new album.

Stiff headwinds for GOP on health care, tax reformMay 13, 2017 - 01:18
The clobbering tool has been passed to the Democrats and they will try to employ it during the 2018 midterm elections. Just 11 percent of respondents said they believe the AHCA will cause health insurance costs to go down.

Boy hurt in crash finally able to open his eyesMay 13, 2017 - 01:14
According to his GoFundMe page , Banda-Acosta was deported earlier this year after being arrested for driving drunk. Lake told paramedics he was fine. "He can't open one of his eyes, so he's kind of scared about why he can't see".

ICE-led gang surge nets 1378 arrested nationwideMay 13, 2017 - 01:06
The operation was national, but the greatest number of arrests came from the Houston , New York, Atlanta and Newark regions. Eight of those were alleged members of MS-13, Benner said. -Nine members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods street gang.

Trump Says Comey 'Was Not Doing A Good Job'May 12, 2017 - 01:19
Just last week, Comey testified before Congress about the FBI's investigation of Russia's meddling in the United States election. He repeatedly asked aides why the Russian Federation investigation wouldn't disappear and demanded they speak out for him.

Thames hits 13th HR, Brewers outslug Red Sox in 11-7 winMay 12, 2017 - 01:05
Manager John Farrell said he might rearrange the rotation with a day off coming up Monday and his bullpen overworked of late. The 28 year old would, however, have to be put on the 40-man roster in order to make just one or two starts.

Scioto Paint recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness MonthMay 10, 2017 - 03:28
It is a fallacy to think that paying attention to mental health can or should be limited to one month on the calendar. New research by the Mental Health Foundation has found that the UK's "mental health is deteriorating".

Mourinho accepts top four finish is impossibleMay 09, 2017 - 07:45
It's the first time I leave and they're happy. "It's all thanks to the manager because he gave me the opportunity ", he said . Mourinho however said he is does not enjoy seeing the north Londoners fail to win big trophies.

Pogba produces commanding performance against Celta VigoMay 08, 2017 - 15:41
The manager's credit column this season already contains the League Cup , with the Europa League possibly to come. Rashford also had to be substituted, but Mourinho said that was a result of a problem he carried into the game.

India to participate in Champions Trophy - BCCIMay 07, 2017 - 13:01
The BCCI's use of the Champions Trophy as a bargaining chip with the ICC had come in for criticism. The squad will be named tomorrow, the Indian board said in a release.